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Don Mattingly Online - June 2003 Interview
.: June 2003 Interview :.
======================= Interview begins here. ======================= Roger wrote: Mr. Mattingly, What do you think is the biggest change in the game of baseball since you first started your major league career in 1984? Don Mattingly wrote: Roger, It seems like younger players and less experience is what you see most. Only certain teams have experienced players on the bench. Sincerely, Don Mattingly Dan wrote: Dear Don, Throughout the course of the 1980s and 1990s, you always seemed to sport a great mustache. What made you grow the mustache initially and what made you stick with the mustache. In a world where goatees and beards are on the up rise, what do you think will happen to the mustache in the sport of baseball? By the way, your Franklin t-ball set really put me on the right track when I was younger. Don Mattingly wrote: Dan, When I came in the mustache was in style. Goose Gossage was my mentor and he had one. Also, you were not allowed to have one in the Minor Leagues. So once I made it I felt I wanted one. I think there will always be a place for the mustache in baseball. Sincerely, Don Mattingly Derek wrote: Do you feel you were robbed of the MVP in 1986? Don Mattingly wrote: It's a mute point, but I do not think pitchers should get that award. Roger had a great year, but it is hard for me to compare the 160 games I played to his 35. But, it does not matter if it was me or anyone else. I just do not feel like pitchers should get that award. If a pitcher was to win it, I think it should be a reliever. Sincerely, Don Mattingly Wes wrote: Hi Don, I've been a loyal fan for many years. I actually met you when I was very young at Tiger Stadium I had you sign a Yankees pennant along with Matt Knokes, You hit Three hr's that day...Made my Day and Yours I am sure. I am disappointed that your injuries kept you out of a Possible World Series Ring and I know that will affect your Chance at Cooperstown! I wondered if you felt an Induction would put the perfect closure on your career or if you were content with what you've done. I ask this in Great respect. Don Mattingly wrote: Wes, I am content with what I have done, to a point. You can always look back and think you could have done better or more. If Cooperstown would ever be in my future, it would definitely be a great ending to my career. Sincerely, Don Mattingly Matt wrote: Don I just wanted to congratulate you on having the greatest mustache of any baseball player that ever lived. You beat out Keith Hernandez and Mike Schmidt for the greatest mustache. You are #1 "Donnie Baseball". My question is how did you keep your mustache so well manicured? Don Mattingly wrote: Matt, I was unaware that I kept it groomed so well. I tried to get away with as much as I could with the Yankee code. Sincerely, Don Mattingly Matt wrote: Donald, I was wondering what it was like being part of the great organization of the Yankees. I have aspirations of one day, becoming a baseball player myself, and I play first base, and I was wondering if you had any advice. Also, I can't grow a mustache yet, do you have any tips, and would Rogaine help??? Your #1 Fan, Matt Don Mattingly wrote: Matt, As far as the Rogaine is concerned, it has not worked on the top of my head, so I do not know about your lip, hehe. The Yankees, I feel are the greatest organization in sports. If you ever get the opportunity to be with them, it would be worth it. My advice to you is to have fun, and play very hard. Sincerely, Don Mattingly John wrote: 1.When Don Slaught was copying your batting stance and even your appearance did you take it as a compliment? 2. Was Stump Merril's intelligence too overwhelming? 3. How upset where you when Mel Hall decided to play in Japan? 4. Where's Kevin Maas? 5. Where you shocked that Jesse Tartabull's agent wasn't bought up on charges for robbery? 6. When you watch ER do you think of Mike Witt? Don, You are the best Yankee I have ever seen, I always will remember you running sprints before a game and preparing yourself, I will always remember your swing. I hope you come back to coach one day. Hope you don't mind my sick humor. John G Don Mattingly wrote: John, Obviously you were a bored Yankee fan from the early 90's, hehe. Sincerely, Don Mattingly Hal wrote: Hi Don, thanks for being someone I could love rooting for as I grew up. One of my favorite moments ever in sports is the game where you took the popcorn from the little boy seated in the front row while chasing a foul ball. The look on his face is priceless. Could you describe that situation to me, and if you felt the genuine sense of awe from that child right after you did it? Don Mattingly wrote: It was spur of the moment. The foul ball went about 10 rows in. Everyone was looking at the ball, except that kid. He was looking right at me. At the time, he was about the same age as our middle son Preston. So I asked him if I could have some popcorn. He just starred, so I snagged it. The next inning I took him an autographed ball that said, thanks for the popcorn. It was priceless. Sincerely, Don Mattingly Gary wrote: Mr. Mattingly, I am a big fan of yours, I always wanted to meet you and it came true two times in one month. One time in Roosevelt Mall at Hall of Heroes and then at the All Star Game in Mil, I think I almost fainted both times. Just wanted to ask you two things, what are your thoughts on the diet supplements taken by players? Thanks for all the memories and I am rooting for you to make it to the hall. Don Mattingly wrote: Basically, they just need to stay within the limits of the law. They also need to be careful so they do not damage their health and their bodies. Sincerely, Don Mattingly Rob wrote: Don, Growing up in Long Island, NY I of course watched the Yanks and I am a fan. Being in the Air Force now a days I understand hair regulations better than most. What are your thoughts on the building of a "new" Yankee stadium, possibly in Manhattan as opposed to the Bronx? And was the number 23 personally significant when you received it? I ask because when Larry Bird retired the NY press had reported that you considered changing numbers to 33, in his honor (if I recall correctly he's also from Evansville) Feel free to stop Knob Noster, MO if your ever on your way to KC, we might be able to get you a bomber simulator ride. Thanks. Don Mattingly wrote: Rob, I want the stadium to stay where it is at forever. As far as my number is concerned, at the time, I was turning 23 that year, so I took it. As far as Larry's number, I was going to wear it for one day, one game. But, I do not think they would let me. He is from French Lick, Indiana. Sincerely, Don Mattingly Anthony wrote: Choosing one left-hander and one right-hander from the start of your career to the end. Who was the toughest pitcher to prepare for? Did any of them cause you not to sleep the night before the game? Don Mattingly wrote: Anthony, Randy Johnson, left-hander, he definitely kept me from sleeping normal before the game. He stayed on your mind, hehe. I never really lost sleep over a righty. I always looked forward to facing Roger Clemens he was a challenge. Sincerely, Don Mattingly ======================= Interview ends here. =======================
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